What is the primary cause of heat stress in horses?

The primary cause of heat stress in horses is overexertion. When horses engage in strenuous activities, their metabolic rate increases significantly, leading to elevated internal body temperatures. This is especially critical during warm and humid conditions, where the horse's ability to regulate its temperature through sweating is impaired.

While sun exposure, humidity, and dehydration can contribute to the overall risk of heat stress, overexertion directly impacts the horse's body by increasing its temperature through physical exertion. It's important for horse owners and riders to monitor their horses' activity levels in relation to the environmental conditions to mitigate the risk of heat stress effectively. By understanding the relationship between exertion and heat production, one can take proactive steps to keep the horse cool, such as limiting exercise during peak heat times, providing sufficient water, and ensuring they have access to shade.